7 Years at The Hope Place!
On September 21st, 2025 it will be 7 years since the formation of Hope Place Counseling Services, PLLC where my big idea became a reality on paper. Then a year later it became reality in person with the renovation of a donated mobile home. Most new small businesses die within the first 5 years, and I can understand how. Owning a business is not for the weak.
Hope Place is doing what I hoped it would do and that is provide therapists and the community with a place to heal and challenge themselves. I have watched all our people grow both professionally and personally over the years and I am so proud of them all.
I'm thankful for everyone's support, encouragement, prayers and dedication to me, my family, and our clients at THP.
These last years have been rough for everyone. Construction, COVID, fires, unthinkable loss, and so many other things have occurred for all of us during these last 7 years, but don't forget that suffering is the part of life that reminds us we're not home yet!
So as I reflect, I wanted to take a moment to let you guys know what I'm up to and what you may get to see in the future at The Hope Place.
For me things have been in a place of finishing what was started and clearing out the clutter.
Before the fire in 2021, I started cutting in trails that could be walked by therapists and clients. I'm happy to say that today the Hope Trail is finally fully open and functional! After 4 years! I still have big plans for this area that I'd like to utilize for retreats and groups and workshops. I've dedicated a section to Loss and started by making a sign that says Isabel. She was our first German Shepherd as a family and was the best dog I've ever had. She was born in 2006 and died in 2019 or so. It seemed fitting to have her watch over any other losses that may be dedicated in the future.
There's also a great little area that I can see used for camping with a small fire pit! There's also still the sitting area that used to be "The Nest" that needs some fixing up, but it's accessible on the trails.
I've also decided to use Cactus Tail instead of the blue ivy trail we had before. This trail isn't labeled yet, but I have a good idea of where it will be. It's taken a long time to get to this place and I'm excited about it!
Also in 2021 I created a workbook for moms with ADHD suffering from burnout. As you know though, burnout and caregiver fatigue is something that's been placed on my heart to talk about and work with. I've done a ton of research and work on it specifically in the mental health field. Something I'm intending to do is offer a 3 hour ethics CEU and a 6 hour CEU retreat centered on the ethical implications of therapist burnout. I'm about half way through it and I've seen a lot of interest. This feels like finishing that Burnout project I started years ago.
Additionally, I've begun to go over my previous work on how to protect yourself from vicarious trauma in regards to church ministry. I did a presentation on this a few years ago and feel like this is something I need to continue as well.
It feels like I'm picking back up where I left off several years ago. Like the train is getting back on track, even in the midst of chaos.
Other things I'd like to do one day:
1) Movie nights with the goats! Using the projector that Cameron gifted me years ago.
2) Community garden in front of the parklet
3) Coordinating with volunteers to help on the property, like trail upkeep
4) Continue to offer the space I have to people who can use it
5) Big fund raisers for PTCC
Most of these things will require other people to lead those efforts. I am only one person after all.
Thank you all for your involvement and efforts. You're all amazing humans and I look forward to continuing our work.
Sincerely,
Rachel Malquist LPC-S
